Coin separator for fare boxes and the like



June 1962 w. ANTONOFF ETA]. 3,037,604

com SEPARATOR FOR FARE BOXES AND THE LIKE Filed Dec. 9, 1957 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTORS' WALTER ANTONOFF GARDNER L. GPA/VT faiz 4M1 June 5, 1962 w. ANTONOFF ET AL com SEPARATOR FOR FARE BOXES AND THE LIKE Filed Dec. 9, 1957 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 aaooo o aoneoooooooocooooououoaocooo INVENTORS WALTER AA/TU/VOFF BY GARDNER L. GRANT Md I 0 E v M n a 7L 4 Z q. 7 $2, 0/ 2 H Mm a 5 a U a /,/6 25L 0 B V 7 m tts The instant invention relates generally to coin handling apparatus and more particularly to fare boxes and the like.

A primary object of the instant invention is the provision of coin handling apparatus having novel and improved means for separating different diameter coins or fare parts for individual handling.

Another important object of our invention is the provision of coin handling apparatus having novel and improved agitating means.

Another object of the instant invention is the provision of coin separating and agitating means, each of which is simultaneously actuated responsive to the insertion of the fare parts into the apparatus.

A further object of the present invention is the provision of separating means of the character described wherein coins of a given or smaller diameter will be free to descend by gravity directly to a specially provided channel whereas coins of a larger diameter will be impeded and then transferred laterally to a second channel for deposit thereto.

Still another object of our invention is the provision of a separator of the character described having means associated therewith for insuring that the larger, separated coins will be transferred one by one for deposit in their respective channel and at the same time for preventing the smaller coins from following the path or riding along with the transferred larger coins.

A further object of this invention is the provision of apparatus which enables larger denomination coins, such as quarters and half dollars, to be handled entirely separate from smaller denomination coins even though all of said coins may be simultaneously deposited into the apparatus.

An additional object is the provision of coin handling apparatus which enables relatively expensive testing devices to be utilized in connection with the higher denomination coins, where such use is most desirable, without any appreciable danger of this equipment being clogged or made inoperativeby dirt, foreign particles and the like, since the arrangement is such that any foreign particles which inadvertently are deposited into the apparatus hopper will travel downwardly into that portion of the apparatus which is concerned with the handling of the lower denomination coins and will not enter, to any appreciable extent, that portion of the apparatus which is handling the coins of higher denomination.

Still another object is the provision of apparatus of the character describedwhich is relatively simple and economical to manufacture, of durable construction, and highly versatile and efficient in operation.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent as the description thereof proceeds when considered in connection with the accompanying illustrative drawings.

In the drawings which illustrate the best mode presently contemplated by us for carrying out our invention:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary front elevation of coin hanhopper.

dling apparatus embodying the instant separating means;

FIG. 2 is an end view thereof;

FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view thereof;

FIG. 4 is a section taken on line 4-4 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a section taken on line 55 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the instant apparatus;

FIG. 7 is an elevational detail of the agitating wall which forms a part of our apparatus;

FIG. 8 is a section taken on line 88 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a section taken on line 99 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a section taken on line 1010 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 11 is a detail plan view of one of the separator slats which form a part of the instant invention; and

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of the circuit utilized in connection with the instant apparatus.

It has been found desirable to provide coin handling apparatus of a highly diversified and versatile nature, and, more specifically, apparatus for high-denomination coins, as well as the conventional lowdenomination coins. Actually, the basic concept of the instant invention resides in the separation of the high-dimension coins, such as quarters, half dollars, etc., from the low-dimension coins, such as nickels, dimes and pennies, even though all of said coins may be simultaneously inserted within a single riefly, the desired separation is accomplished by means which are dependent upon the various different diameters of the different denomination coins, and the apparatus is operable to separate all coins of a given or greater diameter from coins of a smaller diameter, and, as will hereinafter become apparent, the apparatus may be readily designed to separate half dollars from all smaller coins or quarters and half dollars from smaller coins, etc. Also, while the instant invention is particularly adaptable and of value in connection with coin handling apparatus, it will be understood that the concept and structure herein to be disclosed could effectively be used for any separating operation where it is desired to segregate circular discs of a certain diameter or greater from similar discs of a smaller diameter.

Referring now to the drawings, there is shown generally at 10 coin separating mechanism constructed in accordance with the instant invention, it being understood that said mechanism forms a part of any conventional coin handling apparatus (not shown), such as a fare box, coin registering mechanism, coin counting mechanism, or the like. Specifically, the coin separating mechanism 10 comprisesa hopper 12 of sufficient size so as to readily receive a multiple throw fare, the said hopper 12 communicating with a chute 14 whereby to direct the fare parts downwardly, as will be seen most clearly in FIGS. 1 and 4. Front wall 16- of the chute 14 actually forms an integral part of overall front wall 18, while overall rear wall 20* forms the rear of said chute. It will be understood that front and rear walls 1 8 and 20, respectively, are in spaced relation with respect to each other so as to define an enclosed transfer area 22 through which the separating means now to be described laterally extend.

The separating means in the instant construction comprises a continuous sprocket chain 24 having secured thereto a plurality of equispaced outwardly extending slats 26. As will be seen most clearly in FIGS. 2, 3 and 6, the chain 24 is mounted rearwardly of rear wall 20 and, more specifically, is carried by an angle bracket 28 secured to the said rear wall in any desirable fashion. Rotatably mounted on the bracket 28 is a first sprocket 3t) drivingly connected to motor 32, and a second sprocket 34 spaced therefrom whereby to maintain the chain 24 substantially taut, as clearly shown in FIGS. 3 and 6. The spaced slats 26 carried by chain 24 extend across transfer area 22, as shown most clearly in FIG. 6, and for this purpose aligned elongated slots 36 and 38 are provided in front wall 18 and rear wall 20, respectively. It will thus be apparent that energization of motor 32, by means hereinafter to be described, will cause sprocket 30 to commence rotating, thereby imparting continuous movement to chain 24 and causing the spaced slats 26 to move laterally across transfer area 22.

For reasons hereinafter to be made apparent, the edges of each slat 26 diverge slightly whereby the said slats are wider at their outermost extremity. Also, it will be understood that the slats may be secured to chain 24 in any desirable way although it is preferred to provide the said slats with a pair of spaced apertures 40 adapted to be aligned with the openings in the individual links of chain 24 for ready securement thereto by any suitable fastener elements.

Since the slats 26 extend completely across the relatively narrow transfer area 22, it follows that coins or fare parts having a diameter greater than the spacing between adjacent slats will be impeded and prevented from further downward descent. Thus, if it is desired to separate fifty-cent pieces from smaller coins, it will be understood that the slats 26 are spaced from each other a distance sufficient to allow all said smaller coins to pass freely therebetween, but at the same time the spacing being such that fifty-cent pieces will be prevented from passing therethrough. As will be seen most clearly in FIG. 1, a first channel 42 is located at the lower portion of transfer area 22 in substantial alignment with the lower end of chute 14. A second channel 44 is provided at the opposite side of the mechanism from said first channel, the entrance to channel 44 being slightly elevated with respect to that of channel 42 so that bottom wall 46 which interconnects the two channels is upwardly inclined from said first channel to said second channel for reasons soon to be described. It is also important to note that slots 36 and 38 incline upwardly in a path substantially parallel to that of wall 46 whereupon chain 24 and slats 26 actually move in an upward direction as they travel laterally of transfer area 22, it being understood that motor 32 drives sprocket 30 in a clockwise direction, viewing FIGS. 3 and 6. Also of importance is the fact that front and rear walls 18 and 20 are rearwardly inclined from bottom to top (note FIG. 2), and since bracket 28 is perpendicularly disposed with respect to rear wall 20, slats 26 each extend upwardly as they cross transfer area 22 from rear to front.

From the foregoing, it will be apparent that when a multiple throw fare is inserted into hopper 12, the coins will gravitate downwardly through chute 14 into transfer area 22. At that point, the coins having a small enough diameter to pass between slats 26 will descend directly to channel 42, while the larger coins will be carried laterally across transfer area 22 for deposit into channel 44. More specifically, assuming that motor 32 is driving sprocket 30 and hence chain 24, the larger coins will bridge adjacent slats 26, and due to the rearward inclination of wall 20 and the upward til-ting of the slats 26, each coin carried by adjacent slats will be disposed against the wall 20, and any tendency for the coin to move forwardly out of contact with wall 20 will be prevented by the convergent spacing which exists between adjacent slats.

As each slat 26 begins to travel around idler sprocket 34, the spacing between said slat and the next succeeding slat increases whereupon as the slat passes rearwardly through slot 38, the coin being carried is free to drop downwardly into channel 44. In order to speed up the deposit of successive coins into channel 44, a slotted projection 48 may be provided on wall 20 as shown in FIG. 6, it being apparent that said projection will force each coin off its forwardrnost slat as the latter travels through the slot in said projection, it being understood that when the said forwardmost slat travels through projection 48, the spacing between it and the next succeeding slat is such that the supported coin may now pass freely downward into channel 46.

Since it is usually desirable to have the larger coins deposited into channel 44 in one-by-one relation, an abutment 50 (FIG. 6) for impeding travel of any additional coins which may be carried between adjacent slats is provided. More specifically, the abutment 55} extends rearwardly from front wall 18 and terminates in spaced relation with respect to rear wall 20, said spaced relation being sufficient to allow only one coin to pass therethrough. For this reason, it is important that each coin carried between adjacent slats be disposed against rear wall 20 since otherwise abutment 50 might impede travel of even a single coin carried between adjacent slats. As previously indicated, the rearward inclination of wall 2!) and the convergent spacing between adjacent slats helps insure that coins carried by chain 24 will be disposed snugly against the wall 20, but in order to further insure this proper positioning of the coins, a spring finger 52 is secured to the outer surface of wall 18 as at 54 and extends inwardly through an enlarged portion 56 in slot 36 whereby to force the coins against rear wall 20 as they pass thereby. As will be noted, the finger 52 is located adjacent to but slightly before the abutment 50.

Another problem which exists in connection with the successful separation and transfer of larger coins is the possibility that smaller coins will inadvertently ride along with the larger coins such as by becoming wedged between the said larger coins and wall 20. Since it is essential that all of the smaller coins travel into channel 42, means have been provided for preventing the inadvertent travel of said smaller coins across the transfer area 22 to channel 44. As will be readily apparent, the upward travel of chain 24 and slats 26 as they move from right to left viewing FIG. 1 will in itself serve to prevent inadvertent carrying of the smaller coins to channel 44 since this inclination makes it impossible for a coin to become balanced on one of the slats. At the same time, the inclination is not so great as to interfere with the proper carrying of the larger coins. Also, the inclination of wall 46 which interconnects channels 44 and 42 will serve to insure that any smaller coins which drop from the chain at this portion of the transfer area will roll rearwardly to the channel 42. In order to prevent a smaller coin from becoming wedged between wall 20 and a larger coin, means are provided for moving said larger coin away from the wall 20 at the initial portion of its travel. Specifically, rear wall 20 is provided on its rear surface with a spring finger 58 secured by any desirable means, such as screw 60 (FIG. 3), at its central portion, said spring finger having an opening 62 at each of its extremities in alignment with openings 64 provided in rear wall 20. A ball 66 is seated in each of the openings 62 and is resiliently urged into the opening 64 whereby to extend slightly inwardly of the inner surface of wall 20, as shown most clearly in FIGS. 6 and 10. Thus, the portion of each ball 66 which extends inwardly into transfer area 22 will cause coins carried thereacross to be moved away from the rear wall 20 sufiiciently to enable any smaller coins to be freed for downward descent. At the same time, this particular arrangement affords minimum frictional resistance against the lateral travel of the larger coins.

Still another structural feature of the instant invention which functions to prevent inadvertent carrying of smaller coins across transfer area 22 is the provision of novel and improved agitating means. Specifically, the instant agitating means comprises a rotating cam 68 fixedly carried by sprocket 34, said cam having a tortuous groove 70 extending around its periphery. A roller follower 72 is carried by one end of resilient arm 74 and is urged into engagement with cam path 70. The other end of arm 74 carries a plate or wall 76 superimposed over the inner surface of that portion of wall 20 located above slot 38. More specifically, the inner end of arm 74 carries a pair 4 of fastening elements, such as screws 78, which elements extend through vertically extending slots 80 in wall 20 and then through specially provided apertures 82 in the wall 76 for securement thereto. Thus, it follows that whenever motor 32 is energized to drive the sprockets 30 and 34, cam 68 will be rotated, thus causing oscillation of arm 74 and the plate 76 carried thereby. As will be apparent, wall 20 is fixed, and hence it is essential that slots 80 be provided in order that arm 74 and plate 76 may vibrate in the manner described. Plate 7 6 is preferably constructed of stainless steel and is embossed or undulated on its inner or exposed surface as at 84, it being apparent that said undulations will provide maximum traction for more effective agitation. Plate 76 is also provided with a pair of openings 86 for receiving the balls 66, and hence said openings are in substanital alignment with the aforedescribed openings 62 and 64. As will be most clearly seen in FIG. 10, the openings 86 are necessarily made sufficiently large for plate 76 to oscillate without jamming against the balls 66.

Since the above described vibrating plate or Wall 76 covers the entire upper portion of rear wall 20, it will be readily apparent that the said vibrating plate forms the rear wall of hopper 14. Thus, not only does this agitating arrangement function to prevent inadvertent travel of smaller coins across transfer area 2.2, but it also prevents jamming of the fare parts in the restricted portion of chute 14.

The instant invention also comprises novel and improved means for energizing the motor 32, and hence actuating chain -24 and vibrating wall 76, responsive to the passage of fare parts through chute 14, although it will be understood that if desired a continuously rotating motor can be employed. Thus, the chute 14 is provided with a swinging gate 88 pivotally mounted on cross shaft 90 rotatably journalled in bearings 92, said swinging gate being normally maintained in closed position by means of counterweight 94. It will be understood that when swinging gate 88 is in its closed position, it will substantially block the chute 14 as shown most clearly in FIG. 4, but it will be further understood that passage of a fare through the said chute will cause the gate to swing to its open position, thereby causing rotation of the shaft 90, to which the gate is affixed. As will be seen most clearly in FIG. 1, there is mounted on the upper portion of front wall 18, a photocell 96 and a light source or bulb 98 spaced therefrom. The photocell 96 and bulb 98 are mounted by any suitable bracket means, such as 100 and 102, respectively, and it will be understood that the bulb 98 is maintained illuminated by any suitable power source. Afiixed to the shaft 90 adjacent its outer extremity and disposed intermediate photocell 96 and bulb 98 is a shutter 104 having an aperture 106 provided therein. Swinging gate 88, shaft 90 and shutter 104 are so arranged that when the gate is in its normally closed position, aperture 186 in shutter 1104 enables a light beam to be transmitted from bulb 98 to photocell 96. Upon opening movement of the gate 88 responsive to the passage of a fare through chute 14, shaft 90 and shutter 104 are rotated to interrupt the light beam whereby photocell 96 causes actuation of relay 108 which in turn closes the circuit to motor 32 whereby to cause chain 24 to commence moving, which movement in turn causes oscillation of vibrating wall 76. Conventional time delay means 110 are provided for maintaining the circuit closed for a predetermined period of time, note the schematic diagram shown in FIG. 12.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that relatively simple and effective means have been provided for enabling larger diameter and denomination coins to be separated from a multiple throw fare and transferred for individual handling. Thus, whereas smaller coins will gravitate di rectly to channel 42, coins of a predetermined diameter or larger will be positively prevented from entering the said channel 42 but rather will be laterally transferred for 6 deposit into a separate and distinct channel 44. This means that if it is desirable to utilize expensive and sensitive test equipment, such equipment may be employed in connection with the larger denomination coins, only where such use is most desirable for obvious reasons. Also, any test equipment employed in connection with the coins deposited into channel 44 will not be appreciably affected by any dirt or foreign particles which may inadvertently be introduced into hopper 12 since such foreign matter would tend to gravitate into channel 42 and would never reach channel 44. The various angles of inclination, the specific agitating means employed, and the means for insuring that the larger coins will be deposited into channel 44 in one-by-one relation all cooperate with applicants novel chain separator to provide a unique and highly effective combination.

While there is shown and described herein certain specific structure embodying the invention, it will be manifest to those skilled in the art that various modifications and rearrangements of the parts may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept and that the same is not limited to the particular forms herein shown and described except in so far as indicated by the scope of the appended claims.

We claim:

1. Apparatus of the character described comprising a hopper for receiving multiple throw fares, a chute in association with said hopper for receiving the fares therefrom, a first coin receiving channel located below said chute, a second coin receiving channel laterally spaced therefrom, a transfer area overlying said channels and extending therebetween, said transfer area being defined by rearwardly inclined, spaced front and rear walls, and an upwardly inclined bottom wall extending from the upper end of said first channel to the upper end of said second channel, separating means adjacent the lower end of said chute and extending laterally across said transfor area for blocking the descent of larger coins to said first channel while allowing smaller coins to pass freely thereto, means for laterally moving said separating means to carry the larger, impeded coins to a point in alignment with said second channel, and means for disengaging said impeded coins from said separating means for deposit into said second channel.

2. In the combination of claim 1, said rear wall also forming the rear of said chute, and means for vibrating said rear wall responsive to the passage of a fare through said chute.

3. Apparatus of the character described comprising a hopper for receiving multiple throw fares, a chute in association with said hopper for receiving the fares therefrom, a first coin receiving channel located below said chute, a second coin receiving channel laterally spaced therefrom, a transfer area overlying said channels and extending therebetween, said transfer 'area being defined by rearwardly inclined spaced front and rear walls and an upwardly inclined bottom wall extending from the upper end of said first channel to the upper end of said second channel, a continuous chain mounted rearwardly of said transfer area and traveling in an upward path from said first channel to said second channel, a plurality of spaced, outwardly extending slats carried by said chain and extending across said transfer area, an elongated laterally extending opening in each of said front and rear walls for receiving the said slats, said slats being spaced so as to permit smaller coins to freely drop therethrough while blocking the descent of larger coins, and means for driving said chain whereby smaller coins will gravitate directly from said chute to said first channel while larger coins will be transferred to said second channel.

4. In the combination of claim 3, said slats gradually decreasing in width from their outer ends, and extending across said transfer area in a downwardly inclined plane, from front to rear.

5. In the combination in claim 3, said rear wall also forming the rear of said chute, cam means associated with said rear wall for imparting vibration thereto, a motor mounted on said apparatus for simultaneously operating said cam and driving said chain, and means responsive to the passage of a fare through said chute for energizing said motor.

6. In the combination of claim 5, said rear wall having an undulating inner surface.

7. In the combination of claim 3, abutment means in said transfer area for insuring that the said larger coins will be carried singly by said chain and for preventing smaller coins from inadvertently following the path of the larger coins.

8. In the combination of claim 5, said last mentioned means comprising a swinging gate normally blocking said chute but adapted to be swung open by the downwardly passing fares, a photocell mounted on said apparatus and having a light beam operatively associated therewith, said photocell and said motor being so related that interruption of the light beam to the former causes energization of the latter, and a shutter associated with said photocell, said shutter being mounted for movement between a first position wherein said light beam is not blocked and a second position wherein the said beam is blocked, said shutter being connected with said swinging gate whereby movement of the former from its first to its second position is controlled by opening movement of the latter.

9. Apparatus of the character described comprising a hopper for receiving multiple throw fares, a chute in association with said hopper for receiving the fares therefrom, a swinging gate normally blocking said chute but adapted to be swung open by the downwardly passing fares, agitating means in said chute for preventing the jamming of fares therein, and means responsive to movement of said gate for actuating said agitating means, said agitating means comprising a vibrating wall defining a portion of said chute, said actuating means comprising a motor, a cam driven thereby and connected to said wall for imparting vibration thereto, a photocell mounted on said apparatus and having a light beam operatively associated therewith, said photocell and said motor being so related that interruption of the light beam to the former causes energization of the latter, and a shutter associated with said photocell, said shutter being mounted for movement between a first position wherein said light beam is not blocked and a second position wherein the said beam is blocked, said shutter being connected with said swinging gate whereby movement of the former from its first to its second position is controlled by opening movement of the latter.

10. Apparatus of the character described comprising a hopper for receiving multiple throw fares, a chute in association with said hopper for receiving the fares therefrom, a first coin receiving channel located below said chute, a second coin receiving channel laterally spaced therefrom, a transfer area overlying said channels and extending therebetween, said transfer area being defined by rearwardly inclined, spaced front and rear walls, and an upwardly inclined bottom wall extending from the upper end of said first channel to the upper end of said second channel, separating means adjacent the lower end of said chute and extending laterally across said transfer area for blocking the descent of larger coins to said first channel while allowing smaller coins to pass freely thereto, means for laterally moving said separating means to carry the larger, impeded coins to a point in alignment with said second channel, means for disengaging said impeded coins from said separating means for deposit into said second channel, said rear wall also forming the rear of said chute, and means for vibrating said rear wall responsive to the passage of a fare through said chute, said vibrating means comprising a cam associated with said rear wall, a motor mounted on said apparatus for simultaneously driving said cam and moving said separating means, a normally closed swinging gate in said chute adapted to be swung open by passage of a fare therethrough, and means actuated by opening movement of said gate for energizing said motor.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 802,550 Batdorf Oct. 24, 1905 914,821 Gierding Mar. 9, 1909 1,512,447 Birdsall Oct. 21, 1920 1,553,979 Bryk Sept. 15, 1925 2,519,357 Daugherty Aug. 22, 1950 2,810,465 Miller Oct. 22, 1957 2,816,639 Miller Dec. 17, 1957 

